JP3459260B2 - Anatomically shaped mixed sanitary napkin - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to disposable sanitary napkins. As used herein, sanitary napkins are absorbent products designed by women to be worn externally on the body, usually during their menstruation, to receive and retain their menstrual and vaginal discharge. It is considered a device. Disposable sanitary napkins are intended to be discarded after use and left dirty rather than cleaned and reused.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the simplest form of sanitary napkin, a disposable sanitary napkin comprises a liquid-permeable human contact element (often referred to as a face sheet or wrap) and a liquid-impermeable protective covering (often a backing). An absorbent element (often referred to as an absorption core) interposed therebetween. The absorbent element is intended to receive and hold menstrual and other vaginal discharge. The body contact element is intended to allow free passage of liquid therethrough towards the absorbent element and to create a somewhat comfortable and dry feel contact with the body surface. The protective covering is intended to prevent menses and other vaginal discharges leaking from the absorbent element from soiling the clothing of the user of the sanitary napkin.

In addition to the three functional elements described above, disposable sanitary napkins typically have a user location where the sanitary napkin can most efficiently perform its intended function even when the user is moving. Means are provided for supporting the absorber near the crotch region. Typically, sanitary napkins are provided with adhesive attachment means for securing the absorbent device to the inner crotch region of the user's underwear.

While the previously known sanitary napkin achieves its intended function, the individual conventional designs provide for absorption of body fluids, protection of the user's clothing from soiling, and / or physical comfort to the user. Subject to certain shortcomings for one or more of the following:

At least two general types of disposable sanitary napkins currently exist. The first of these
It is recognized that this type is intended to absorb a greater amount of menstrual flow than the middle. These sanitary napkins offer a relatively high absorption capacity. The absorbent capacity is usually achieved by providing the sanitary napkin with a relatively thick and bulky absorbent member. While having a relatively high absorption capacity, the bulkiness of the absorbent member causes some discomfort in wearing.

The second type of sanitary napkin is intended for a light or low amount of menstrual flow, generally a Pantyliner or Pantyshield.
Quoted as d). This type of sanitary napkin is generally thinner, somewhat softer and generally more comfortable than the first type sanitary napkin. However, the sanitary napkins of the second type lack absorption capacity compared to the sanitary napkins of the first type.

One attempt to create the advantages of the two types of sanitary napkins described above in a single mixed sanitary napkin
Co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,130 to DesMarais, dated January 10, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference. DesMarais
The mixed sanitary napkin of s) comprises a first menstrual pad and a panty protector, the first menstrual pad and the panty protector being essentially relative to each other over their common overall length. These corresponding ends are interconnected so as to be free to move. The first menstrual pad is intended to absorb the bulk of body fluids excreted by the user, and the panty protection member is intended to prevent the user's clothing from becoming soiled. In use, the relatively free movement between the first menstrual pad and the panty protection member leaves the first menstrual protection member corresponding to the user's undergarment while leaving the first menstrual pad in the user's crotch region. Functions to maintain close to. While the relatively free movement between the first menstrual pad and the panty protection member functions to maintain the first menstrual pad in the vicinity of the crotch area of the user, this free movement is the first menstrual period. This leads to a lack of stability in that the pad moves laterally beyond the edges of the panty protector creating the possibility of soiling the user's underwear.

Moreover, the relatively free movement between the first menstrual pad and the panty protection member alone is insufficient to trap the fluid once it is present at the vaginal opening of the wearer. The first menstrual pad is preferably narrow enough to reside at least partially within the vulva. Or the first menstrual pad is such that a portion of the first menstrual pad is at least partially present in the female vulva,
Can be wider than the distance between the labia majora, but must produce lateral compression or comfort with a relatively low force, such as the force exerted by the soft tissue of the female vulva. I won't. Due to the comfort of the relatively low force,
The first absorbent member maintains comfort during use. Furthermore, the first menstrual pad elastically recovers so that the first menstrual pad can conform to the surface of the human body when the interface between the first menstrual pad and the surface of the human body is exposed to a shape change. Is preferably shown. When the first menstrual pad is made narrower to fit the surface of the human body, the panty protection member creates a stable attachment to the wearer's underwear and leaves sufficient width to prevent the underwear from becoming soiled. Is preferred.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to mixed sanitary napkins. The mixed sanitary napkin comprises a first absorbent member including an absorbent core, an outer cover, and a second absorbent member including a liquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent element attached to the backsheet. Thus, the second absorbent member is attached to the first absorbent member. The first absorbent member has a base with a width and a top with a width, the base being juxtaposed with respect to the second absorbent member, the top being at a right angle to the base in opposite directions. Facing and the width of the foundation is larger than the width of the top. The absorption nucleus has a plurality of core members, and the plurality of core members are surrounded by a retaining layer, an acquisition layer, or both a retaining layer and an acquisition layer.

Brief Description of the Drawings While the specification includes claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, the invention is better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Like reference numbers point to like parts. And: FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the mixed sanitary napkin of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of the mixed sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1; Figure 3A shows the first along line 3-3 in Figure 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mixed sanitary napkin shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; and FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 show another embodiment of the mixed sanitary napkin of the present invention. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a mixed sanitary napkin applied to the human body that provides absorption of bodily fluids, protection from soiling of the user's clothing, and physical comfort for the user. As used herein, the term "hygiene napkin" is worn by women near the vulva area to absorb and hold various excrements (eg, blood, menses, and water) excreted by the body. Intended to be discarded after a single use (ie, not intended to be laundered, otherwise recovered, or reused)
Means an object. As used herein, the term "mixed sanitary napkin" means a sanitary napkin that comprises separate components that are joined together to form a unitary structure. Inner lip devices that reside partially within the wearer's vestibule and partially outside the vestibule are also within the scope of this invention. As used herein, the term “vulva” refers to the externally visible female genitalia and is limited to the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule.

1 to 3 show the mixed sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention.
1 shows a preferred embodiment of As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 3, the mixed sanitary napkin 20 is
Of the first absorbing member 30 by the unifying means 70 and the absorbing member 30 of
And a second absorbing member 50 coupled to the second absorbing member 50. The mixed sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, one for the body-contacting or facing surface 87 and the other for the garment facing or contacting surface 55. Each of the first and second absorbent members 30 and 50 has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The mixed sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, one centerline being a longitudinal centerline L and the other centerline being a transverse centerline T. As used herein, the term "longitudina
l) ”is located substantially in line with a vertical plane that divides the wearer standing when the mixed sanitary napkin is worn into two parts, the left half and the right half of the body (ie, substantially parallel). A line or axis or direction in the plane of a mixed sanitary napkin. As used herein, "transverse" or "lateral" is interchangeable and means a line or axis or direction lying in the plane of the mixed sanitary napkin that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. ing.

The first absorbent member 30 has both edges 24 and both edges 25, which together form a perimeter 26 of the first absorbent member 30. The second absorbent member 50 has both measuring edges 21 and both edges 22 which together form the perimeter 23 of the second absorbent member 50 and the mixed sanitary napkin 20. The mixed sanitary napkin 20 has a first end region 27, a central region 28, and a second end region 29.

The first absorbent member 30 is a component of the mixed sanitary napkin 20 intended to absorb body fluids excreted by the user. The first absorbent member 30 comprises an absorbent means 33, such as an absorbent core 34, and an overwrap 32 overlying the absorbent core 34 (as used herein, the term "superimpos").
ed) "means adjacent or side-by-side, and need not be in contact or joined. ). Preferably, the entire outer cover 32 is liquid permeable, however, in other embodiments, a portion of the outer cover 32 can be liquid impermeable or hydrophobic. Furthermore, the general shape of the first absorbent member 30 not only affects the absorbent characteristics of the mixed sanitary napkin 20, but also the overall comfort for the wearer. Generally, a first absorbent member 30 having a wider base than the apex (which is the portion of the first absorbent member 30 intended to fit at least partially into the female genitals) The included mixed sanitary napkin 20 enhances effectiveness and comfort.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the first absorbent member 30 has a base 10 having a vertical centerline 200 and a width B.
And the top 15 protruding perpendicularly to the foundation 10 on the opposite side
And the top 15 has a width A (the widths A and B of the top 15 and foundation 10 of this preferred mixed sanitary napkin 20 are best shown in FIG. 3A). ). As used herein, the term “base” means that portion of the first absorbent member 30 that overlaps the body contacting surface 87 of the second absorbent member 50 and that has the largest width B. ("Width" at any given location is determined by measuring the lateral or transverse dimensions of that location. Therefore, the measurement is generally relative to the vertical centerline 200. This is done at right angles and approximately parallel to the transverse centerline T). The base 10 has a width A of the top 15 of the base 10.
It is not limited to any particular shape or width as long as it has a larger width B. At least part of Foundation 10
Preferably in body-facing or face-to-face contact with the body-facing surface 87 of the second absorbent member 50 (the term "joined" as used herein means that one element is another element). One element is directly fixed to another element by being attached to one element, or one element is attached to one or more intermediate members, and the intermediate member is attached to another element to provide one element Includes forms that are indirectly fixed to other elements).

The top portion 15 is the portion of the first absorbent member 30 that projects perpendicularly to the base 10 and the second absorbent member 50 on the opposite side. The top 15 can be of any shape,
It can have any width A smaller than the width B of 10. Preferably, the apex 15 is shaped and dimensioned to at least partially comfortably reside in the female genitalia. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 3-7, the top portion 15 is preferably at least partially curved, rounded, or otherwise shaped to accommodate the wearer's body. Has been done. In other embodiments, however, the top 15 may be flat, pointed,
Or it can be generally not a curve.

Preferably, the outer wrap 32 is compliant with the wearer's skin, soft feeling, and non-irritating.
Further, as mentioned above, at least a portion of the outer cover 32 is liquid permeable, allowing liquid to readily penetrate through its thickness. Suitable outer coverings 32 include woven and non-woven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured synthetic resin films and hydroformed thermoplastic films. Can be made from a wide range of materials such as: porous foam; reticulated thermoplastic film; and thermoplastic scrim. Suitable woven and non-woven materials include natural fibers (eg wood and cotton fibers) and synthetic fibers (eg polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene fibers) and natural and synthetic fibers. Can be equipped with a combination of.

Outer wrap 32 may be an integral member or may include two or more elements interdigitated to form outer wrap 32. Furthermore, any portion of the material that comprises the outer cover 32 is coated or laminated to impart or enhance any desired characteristics such as strength, flexibility, liquid permeability or liquid impermeability. It can be processed, processed, or otherwise manipulated.

A suitable outer cover 32 comprises a formed film having openings. The apertured formed film is also generally permeable and non-absorbent to body exudates, thus reducing the tendency for liquid to revert through the film and rewet the wearer's skin. Because it can be done, the outer cover
Preferred for 32. Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, which reduces body soiling and creates a more comfortable feel for the wearer. In addition, the formed film is easily formed with non-open areas creating liquid impervious areas that prevent the passage of any liquid. A suitable molded film is 1975
Specification of US Pat. No. 3,929,135 issued to Thompson on December 30, 1983; US patent issued to Mullane, et al. On April 13, 1982 No. 4,324,246; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel, et al. On August 3, 1982; Ah, July 31, 1984 (Ahr, et al.) U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,00, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991.
It is described in the specification of 6,394. Each of the descriptions of these patents are incorporated herein by reference to those patents. A particularly suitable outer cover 32 for the first absorbent member 30 of the present invention is described in one or more of the above-referenced patents and is designated as "DRI-WEAVE" in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati) Procter & Gamble (THe Proc
ter & Gamble Company) in a sanitary napkin.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the body facing surface of the outer wrap 32 is hydrophilic to assist in faster liquid transport through the outer wrap 32 than if the body facing surface were not hydrophilic. It is sex. This means that the menstrual flow is more likely to enter the absorption core 34 and be absorbed by the outer envelope 32 than absorbed.
Reduce the tendency to drain from. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant was submitted by Aziz, et al. On June 4, 1993, "Absorptive article having a non-woven and apertured film cover sheet ( Absorben
t Article Having a Nonwoven and Apertured Film Cov
ersheet) ", incorporated into a molded film of polymeric material as described in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 072,660. The description of the specification of this US application is incorporated herein by reference to this US application. The body-facing surface of the outer cover 32 is Osborn as of April 21, 1990.
Can be rendered hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264. The description of this U.S. patent is incorporated herein by this U.S. patent.

As mentioned above, the outer cover 32 is preferably overlaid on the absorbent core 34. To ensure proper fluid transport between the outer wrap 32 and the absorbent core 34, the outer wrap 32 is attached to the underlying absorbent core 34 through these common affiliations or interfaces. It is preferable that they are bonded substantially continuously. By substantially continuously coupling the outer wrap 32 to the underlying absorbent core 34, the outer wrap 32 is less likely to separate from the absorbent core 34 during use. Separation of the absorption core 34 from the outer cover 32 inhibits the transfer of fluid from the outer cover 32 into the underlying absorption core 34. The outer wrap 32 may be connected to the absorbent core 34 by any suitable means, including any suitable means such as spray bonding between the outer wrap 32 and the absorbent core 34 or a linear application of adhesive or Adhesive bonding of the outer cover 32 to the absorbent core 34, such as by dot application, is included, but is not limited to such spray bonding or linear or dot application of adhesive. In addition, or in addition, the absorption core 34 is wrapped with an outer cover 32, the fibers of the absorption core 34 are entangled in the outer cover 32, or the outer cover 34 is covered by the plurality of discontinuous individual fusions. The outer cover 32 may be bonded to the absorbent core 34 only by fusing the 32 or by any other bonding means known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the outer cover 32 completely covers the absorbent core 34 of the first absorbent member 30. The outer cover 32 shown in FIG. 3 has a closure 85 near the second absorbent member 50. While such a configuration is advantageous for keeping the closed eye 85 away from any body contact, it is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Other suitable embodiments are envisioned where the seam 85 is located anywhere around the absorbing core 34. In addition, any number of folds, folds, folds, or gluing in the outer wrap 32 provides comfort to the wearer while first.
As long as the absorbent member 30 can function to absorb and retain body fluid, it can be received. Third
The outer cover 32 of the first absorbent member 30 shown in the figure is a separate and independent element from the face sheet 52 of the second absorbent member 50. In such an embodiment, the outer cover 32 is preferably joined to the front sheet 52 of the second absorbent member 50 by an integral means 70.

In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the outer wrap 32 does not completely surround the absorbent core 34 of the first absorbent member 30. However, the outer wrap 32 substantially surrounds the absorption core 34 (the term "substantially encircl" as used herein).
e) ”means that the outer covering covers more than half of the absorption nuclei, more preferably most of the absorption nuclei. ). Since the outer cover 32 does not completely surround the absorption core 34, the groove 80
Are formed. The groove 80 allows any liquid not retained by the first absorbent member 30 to be placed on and absorbed within the face sheet 52, absorbent element 56 or any other element of the second absorbent member 50. (An alternative embodiment of the invention with a groove 80 is shown in FIG. 5).

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first absorbent member 30
The outer cover 32 and the front sheet 52 of the second absorbent member 50 may comprise a single material web, such as web 100. In this embodiment, the web 100 substantially surrounds the absorbent core 34 of the first absorbent member 30 and extends outwardly from the absorbent core 34 to cover at least a portion of the second absorbent member 50. . Suitable materials for use as the web 100 are described above with respect to the outer cover 32 of the first absorbent member 30 and the face sheet 52 of the second absorbent member 50.

As shown in FIG. 5, the web 100 can cover the entire body-facing surface of the second absorbent member 50, but this need not be the case. In addition, Web 10
The exact shape of 0 can vary as long as the web 100 substantially surrounds the absorbent core 34 of the first absorbent member 30. Thus, the web 100 can either completely enclose the absorbent core 34 or form the groove 80, as shown in FIG.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the web 100 functions as an integrated means that connects the first absorbent member 30 and the second absorbent member 50 together. The mixed sanitary napkin may also include additional integrated means for connecting the first absorbent member 30 to the second absorbent member 50. Suitable additional integration means can include, but are not limited to, adhesives, fusing, and any other integration means as described herein.

The absorbent core 34 of this invention primarily functions to absorb and retain body exudates. However, in some preferred embodiments, the absorbent core 34 acts as a shaping member to maintain the shape of the first absorbent member 30. Therefore, the absorption nucleus 34 is
It can be any absorbent means that is generally compressible, comfortable, elastic, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining body exudates. Preferably, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 34 should correspond to the amount of excrement intended for the first absorbent member 30 of the mixed sanitary napkin 20. Furthermore, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 34 can be varied to accommodate the range of liquid excretion volumes expected by the wearer. For example, different absorbent capacities may be used for a mixed sanitary napkin intended for daytime use as compared to an absorbent capacity for a mixed sanitary napkin intended for night use,
Or use a different absorption capacity for a mixed sanitary napkin intended to be used by a teenager female as compared to an absorbent capacity of a mixed sanitary napkin intended to be used by a more mature woman. Can be done.

The absorbent core 34 can be made from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins and other disposable absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials are crushed wood pulp, commonly referred to as airfelt; US patent issued to Young, et al. On June 8, 1993. As described in the specification of No. 5,217,445, a wrinkled cellulose padding (cellulose wadd
cross-linked structure cellulose fiber modified by ing); capillary groove fiber (Thompson et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,248 issued to Ompson, et al.)
As described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,961 issued to DesMarais, et al. On Nov. 9, 1993; Absorbent foams as described in the specification of 5,260,345; U.S. Pat. No. 5,26, issued to DesMarais, et al. On Dec. 7, 1993.
Absorbent foams as described in the specification of No. 8,244; 19
Des Marais, etc. as of July 19, 1994 (DesMarais,
et al.), absorbent foam as described in US Pat. No. 5,331,015; and 1995
Absorbent foam as described in US Pat. No. 5,387,207 issued to Dyer, et al. On February 7, 1993; Richards on October 21, 1993. , Filed under the name of (Richards, et al.) “Menstrual absorption structure with a thermal adhesive layer for improved handling of menstrual fluids, and menstruation with improved fit and comfort. Their use in pads (Catameni
al Absorbent Structures Having Thermally Bonded La
yers For Improved Handling of Menstrual Fluids and
Their Use In Catamenial Pads Having Improved Fit
and Comfort) ", US Patent Application No. 08 / 141,15
Thermally Bonded Airborne Lying Material as Described in No. 6 (P & G Incident 5051); Polyurethane Absorbent Sponge; Artificial Staple Fibers; Polymeric Fibers; Hydrogel-forming Polymeric Gelling Agents; Peat moss; including fiberglass or any equivalent material or combination of these materials.
All of the descriptions of the patents and patent applications mentioned above are incorporated herein by reference for the patents and patent applications mentioned above.

A suitable absorbent core equipped with a foam is described in US Pat. No. 5,260,345 issued Nov. 9, 1993; 1992.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,345 issued Sep. 15, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,720 issued Sep. 22, 1992. Here, the first and third patents are for Desmarais and others (DesMar
ais, et al.) is listed and a second patent is issued under the name Young, et al. Additional cores with foam are described in EP 0 293 208 B1.
Absorption cores equipped with sponges are described in U.S. Pat.
And No. 3,954,493; and French Patent No. 2,203,837, respectively. Another example of a suitable absorption nucleus is the specification of US patent application Ser.
It is described in detail inside. All of the descriptions of patents and patent applications mentioned above are incorporated herein by reference for the patents and patent applications mentioned above.
Other suitable absorption nuclei are Foamex 08-8982
Comprises a polyurethane foam available from Foamex under the trade name of

The material selected for use as the absorbent core 34 is preferably compliant, soft, comfortable, compressible, to increase the fit and comfort of the first absorbent member 30 to the body,
And it is preferable that it is elastic. Preferably absorption nuclei 34
Are compressible to deform under the relatively small forces exerted during normal use. In addition to being compressible, the material comprising the absorbent core 34 preferably allows the first absorbent member 30 to create an improved fit in and around the lips and perineum. It is preferably deformable. While compressible and deformable under the relatively small forces exerted by the female external genitalia during use, the first absorbent member 30 will permanently collapse when subjected to normal wearing forces. It is also important to have sufficient elasticity so that it does not exist. In some preferred embodiments, the absorbent core 34 creates the first absorbent member 30 with the desired elastic properties. In another preferred embodiment, a separate elastic member, as further described below, provides a first elastic member with desired elastic properties.
To provide the absorbent member 30 of the
Absorbent member 30 conforms to the contours of the body to create intimate contact with the exposed genitals of a female user. Intimate contact with a woman's exposed genitals does not allow flow from the user to the first absorbent member 30, bypassing the first absorbent member 30, and / or escaping from the first absorbent member 30. Helps create better fluid transfer. While the elastic properties of the absorbent core 34 allow for an improved fit, the elastic properties must be balanced against the need to be a product that is soft and comfortable for the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an absorbent core 34 having a core member 36 of generally triangular cross-section. In this embodiment, the core member 36 is preferably elastic to help maintain the desired shape of the first absorbent member 30. The one or more core members 36 are preferably elongated and are a sanitary napkin.
It has dimensions in the direction of the length of 20 (in FIG. 5, the absorption core 34 is a single core member 36 of somewhat "mushroom" cross-sectional shape). This core shape creates a first absorbent member 30 with a base 10 having a width B that is wider than the width A of the top 15. However, the absorption nucleus
34 can have a wide variety of shapes, such as square, oval, trapezoidal, pentagonal, U-shaped and Z-folded, and still have a base width that is greater than the top width A. A first absorbent member 30 with B is provided. Various examples of other suitable core shapes are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In FIG. 6, the absorbent core 34 comprises a plurality of core members 36 that create a suitable conforming shape of the first absorbent member 30 to the body. In one preferred embodiment, core member 36 is in the shape of an elongated parallelepiped, as shown in FIG. However, the shape, size, number and arrangement of the core members 36 can be changed as long as the first absorbent member 30 has a base width B larger than the top width A. Further, the core member 36 can comprise an absorbent core, an absorbent layer, an acquisition layer, or any material as described herein with respect to any other absorbent material as known in the art. Examples of suitable materials for use in nuclear components are Desmalice, et al. (DesM), dated November 9, 1993.
US Patent No. 5,260,345 issued to Arais, et al.)
Specification; US Pat. No. 5, issued to DesMarais, et al. On Dec. 7, 1993.
No. 268,244; U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,015 issued to DesMarais, et al. On July 19, 1994; and Dyer on February 7, 1995. An absorbent foam as described in the specification of US Pat. No. 5,387,207 issued to others (Dyer, et al.).

In the preferred embodiment, the core member 36 is surrounded by a containment layer 35. The containment layer 35 can comprise any material that absorbs and retains liquids, and can include, but is not limited to, the materials described herein in connection with the absorbent core and acquisition layer. . A particularly suitable storage layer 35 is
Thermally bonded air lie as described above and in the specification of US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 141,156.
Further, each of the core member 36 and the containment layer 35 is preferably encapsulated in an acquisition layer 46. Acquisition layer 46 can comprise any material as described further below with respect to the acquisition layer. A particularly preferred acquisition layer 46 is Fiberweb North America under the trade name P-9.
A non-woven web such as those available from America). As shown in FIG. 6, the outer cover 32 is overlaid on the core member 36 to form the first absorbent member 30 of the present invention. Other suitable nuclear material materials, shapes, dimensions and arrangements may be found in July 1982 20
The specification of US Pat. No. 4,340,058 entitled "Sanitary Napkin" issued to Pierce et al. On the date of date (a slender absorbent pad with a generally circular cross-section ); And 1984
Pierce et al. As of December 25, 2014 (Pierce et al.)
Issued to "Absorbent Sanita
No. 4,490,147, entitled "ry Napkin)", is described in further detail. Each of the statements in these two specifications is incorporated into the description in the present application by reference to these two specifications.

The first absorbent member 30 may further include an elastic member, as shown in FIG. The first absorbent member 30 can include a single elastic member 45 or multiple elastic members. The elastic member 45 can be an absorbent, but it need not be. Elastic member 45
Suitable materials to be used as are other artificial materials such as nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, artificial rubber, fiberglass and molded films, and natural materials such as rubber, sponges and similar objects. , Including any suitable material capable of resisting crushing under normal wearing conditions of the sanitary napkin in use,
It is not limited to these. One suitable elastic member comprises polyurethane foam available from Foamex under the tradename Foamex 08-8982. The elastic member 45 can be folded into an oblong shape, a triangular shape, an oval shape, a square shape, a pentagonal shape, a U-shape, a Z-shape, or any shape known in the art. It can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as other shapes.

The elastic member 45 can extend through the entire length of the first absorbent member 30. The elastic member 45 can extend through only part of the length of the first absorbent member 30. The elastic member 45 can be disposed in the first end region 27, the central region 28, the second end region 29, or a combination thereof. For example, the elastic member 45 may be in either the first end region 27 or the second end region 29 of the first absorbent member 30, or in the first end region 27 and the second end region 27 of the first absorbent member 30.
In both of the end regions 29 of the first absorbent member 30, in the central region 28 of the first absorbent member 30, or in the first end region 2 of the first absorbent member 30.
It can be arranged in all of the 7, central region 28 and the second end region 29. The elasticity of the elastic member 45 is preferably unaffected by the presence of body exudates absorbed by and retained in the absorbent core. The maintained elasticity of the elastic member 45 is the first
Allows the absorbent member 30 to maintain intimate contact with the wearer's body during use. The first absorbent member 30 was filed April 8, 1994 under the name of Carl L. Bergman and said "Sanitary Napkin having an Internal Shaping Com.
US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 225,441 (P.
& G case 5109R) may include an elastic member 45 similar to the internal shaping elements disclosed in the specification. The description of this U.S. patent application is incorporated into the description of this application by virtue of its being incorporated herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a mixed sanitary napkin 20 having a first absorbent member 30 that includes an elastic member 45 having a generally sinusoidal cross-section, the core member of which is preferably elongated. As shown (although the elastic member 45 having a substantially sinusoidal cross section is the preferred embodiment, the first absorbent member 30 is provided with a base wider than the width of the top). So long as any shape, any cross-section, and any shape and / or cross-section core member is sufficient, some non-limiting examples of shapes and cross-sections are cylindrical, regular hexahedral, spherical, circular. Shapes, square shapes, arc shapes, square shapes, curved shapes, folding into Z shapes, and the like, but are not limited to these shapes.) As shown, the curved elastic member 45 creates support for the top 15 of the first absorbent member 30, as well as the lateral space in the foundation 10. The elastic member 45 can comprise any of the absorbent materials described above. A particularly preferred elastic material is polyurethane foam available from Foamex under the tradename Foamex 08-8982. As shown in FIG. 7, the absorption core 34 preferably comprises a retention layer 35 and an acquisition layer 46. The preferred retention and acquisition layers were described above in more detail with respect to the embodiment depicted in FIG.

The first absorbent member 30 has an outer cover 32, as shown in FIG.
An acquisition layer 46 may be provided between the absorption core 34 and the absorption core 34. Acquisition layer 46 may perform several functions, including improving absorption of excreta over and into absorbent core 34. By improving the absorption of excrement, the acquisition layer 46 is
Creating a more even distribution of excrement passing through. Acquisition layer
46 is a woven web or weave of artificial fibers containing polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene; natural fibers containing cotton or cellulose; or any other material equivalent to these fibers or combinations of these fiber materials. It can comprise several different materials, including unwebbed webs. Some examples of sanitary napkins with acquisition layers are Osborn.
Specification of US Pat. No. 4,950,264 and Cree, et al.
Filed on "Absolute article with combined layers (Abso
rbent Article Having Fused Layers) ", which is more fully described in the specification of US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 944,764. The statements in the specification of these patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference for these patents and patent applications. In the preferred embodiment, acquisition layer 46 may be bonded to outer cover 32 by any conventional means for bonding webs to each other, most preferably the above-described Cree, etc. (Cr
ee, et al.) US patent application.

The first absorbent member 30 can generally have any cross-sectional shape in the unstressed state, but the basic
Preferably, 10 is a triangular cross-section having a width B which is greater than the width A of the apex 15. The length 40 and width 41 of the first absorbent member 30 can be any convenient size. The first absorbent member 30 is preferably about 2 to 35 cm long, most preferably about 20 to 35 cm long. A particularly suitable first absorbent member 30 has a length of approximately 24 cm. The first absorbent member 30 is preferably substantially
The width is 0.5 to 5 cm, more preferably about 0.5 to about 4 cm
And most preferably about 0.5 to about 3 cm.

It may be desired to create varying degrees of width or thickness over the length of the mixed sanitary napkin having the first absorbent member. For example, the first absorbent member may have a relatively thick central region 28 as compared to the first and second end regions 27 and 29. Alternatively, the first absorbent member may have a relatively thin central region 28 as compared to the first and second end regions 27 and 29.

The second component of the mixed sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is
The second absorbing member 50. The second absorbent member 50 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, other suitable shapes can include, but are not limited to, oval shapes, hourglass glasses, dog bones, asymmetric shapes and other shapes known in the art. . Further, the second absorbent member 50 of the present invention is preferably relatively thin and flexible. Second absorbent member 50
Preferably has a thickness of about 3.0 mm or less, more preferably has a thickness of about 2.6 mm or less, and even more preferably has a thickness of about 2.2 mm or less, And most preferably, it has a thickness of about 2.0 millimeters or less.

The second absorbent member 50 preferably comprises an absorbent element 56 and a liquid-impermeable backing sheet 54 coupled to the absorbent element 56. As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent element 56 can form the body-contacting surface 87 of the second absorbent member 50. In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second absorbent member 50 includes a liquid impermeable backing sheet 54 and a liquid permeation layer bonded to the backing sheet 54. And a absorbent element 56 disposed between the front sheet 52 and the back sheet 54. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG.
May include an acquisition layer 88 in addition to, or instead of, the front sheet 52.

The facing sheet 52 can be any liquid-permeable material commonly used in sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. The face sheet 52 can be any of the materials used above in the outer wrap 32 of the first absorbent member 30 and described above, such material being a non-woven, apertured formed film. However, it is not limited to such a formed film.

The acquisition layer 88 of the second absorbent member 50 can comprise any of the materials described above for the acquisition layer 46 of the first absorbent member 30. In the preferred embodiment, the second absorbent member 50 is
It comprises an acquisition layer 88 disposed between the facing sheet 52 and the absorbent element 56 as shown in FIG. However, embodiments are envisioned where acquisition layer 88 replaces face sheet 52, absorbent element 56, or both. In such a configuration, acquisition layer 88 provides any desired properties in second absorbent member 50.

The absorbent element 56 of the second absorbent member 50 is first of all absorbed liquid that has leaked out of the first absorbent member 30 or has unintentionally bypassed the first absorbent member 30. Functions to prevent the clothing of the user from becoming dirty. Therefore, the absorbent element 56 of the second absorbent member 50 generally performs a different function than that of the absorbent core 34, is preferably somewhat thinner and somewhat less bulky than the absorbent core 34. The absorbent element 56 can comprise any of the materials described above as used in the absorbent core 34 or acquisition layers 46 and 88. However, paper tissue (either single piece or multiple pieces) is also suitable for use in the absorbent element 56. In one preferred embodiment, the absorbent element 56 is formed from about one to about five pieces of paper tissue.

Sanford and Sison as of January 31, 1967
Ord and Sisson) U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,74
No. 6, which is formed by the method described in the specification, has a basis weight of about 24 to about 48 grams per parallel meter and an apparent density of about 0.10 to about 0.12 grams per cubic centimeter. ) Has been found to be quite satisfactory for use as the absorbent element 56. The description of the specification of the US patent is incorporated into the description of the specification of the present application by the reference of the US patent. Paper tissue formed by the method described in US Pat. No. 3,994,771 issued to Morgan, et al. On Nov. 30, 1976 also as absorbent element 56. Can be used for the good advantage of, and the description of the specification of this US patent is also incorporated into the description of the present application by this reference. Absorption element 56
Wet strength resins and latex binders to create additional strength in the paper tissue used in
r) can be and is preferably used.

The backing sheet 54 of the second absorbent member 50 is preferably impermeable to liquids (eg, menses and / or water),
And it is preferably manufactured from a thin synthetic resin film. However, other flexible, liquid-impermeable materials can also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" means a material that is compliant and readily conforms to the general shape and contours of the human body. During use, the backsheet 54 is interposed between the absorbent element 56 and the user's underwear. The function of the back sheet 54 is that the excrement that leaks out of the first absorbent element or has bypassed the first absorbent element or the excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent element 56 contacts the user's underwear. To prevent the underwear from getting dirty.
The backing sheet 54 therefore comprises a woven or non-woven material, a polymeric film such as a thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene, or a blended material such as a film coated non-woven material. Can be done. Preferably, the backsheet 54 is approximately 0.012 mm (0.5
mil) to about 0.015 mm (2.0 mil) thick polyethylene film. An exemplary polyethylene film is available from Clopay Corpora of Cincinnati, Ohio under the tradename P18-0401.
manufactured by Visqueen Division of Ethyl Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana under the trade name XP-39385. A suitable stretchable backing sheet is a stretched adhesive film known as Form # 198-388 manufactured by the Findley Adhisives Company of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The backing sheet is preferably embossed and / or matte finish to create a more cloth-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet can allow vapors to escape (ie, breathable) from the absorbent element 56 while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet.

In the preferred embodiment, the second absorbent member 50 is provided with support or attachment means, such as adhesive attachment means 58. The adhesive attachment means 58 create a means for securing the mixed sanitary napkin 20 in the crotch portion of the user's underwear or panties. Therefore, an adhesive is applied to the outside of the back sheet 54 or a part or all of the clothing-facing surface 55. In the preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the adhesive 58 is located on the garment facing surface 55 of the backsheet 54 near the longitudinal side edges 21 of the second absorbent member 50. Any adhesive or tackifier used in the industry for such purpose can be used for the tackifier herein, but is preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive. A suitable adhesive is Century Adhesive Corporation (Centur, Columbus, Ohio).
y Adhesives Corporation). Century A-305-IV; and National Starch and Chemical of Bridgewater, NJ. Company (Nation
Instant Lock 34-2823 manufactured by Al Starch and Chemical Company. A suitable adhesive fastening device is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,697.
It is also described in the specification of the issue.

The pressure sensitive adhesive is typically covered by a removable open liner 59 to keep the adhesive dry or to stick to surfaces other than the crotch of the panty before use. . Suitable open liners are also described in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 4,917,697. Any commercially available open liner commonly used for such purposes can be used here. Non-limiting examples of suitable open liners are BL30MG-A Silox E1 / 0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P1 manufactured by Akrosil Corporation of Manasha, Wisconsin (WI). Both are / 0. The mixed sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention removes the open liner 50 and then places the mixed sanitary napkin 20 in the panty to adhere the adhesive to the panty. The adhesive 58 is
Keep the mixed sanitary napkin 20 in place in the panties during use.

The second absorbent member 20 can also have a flap that extends laterally from the side edge of the absorbent core 34. A number of sanitary napkins suitable for use with the second absorbent member 50 of the mixed sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention, and having applicable flaps, are available as Fan Till dated August 18, 1987. U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986; and It is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,047 issued to Mattingly on Aug. 26, 1986.
The disclosures of these US patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference for those US patents.

Further, the second absorbent member can include elements that naturally wrap both sides of the wearer's panties. A sanitary napkin having elements that naturally wrap both sides of the wearer's panties, suitable for use with the second absorbent member of the mixed sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention, is Lavash, et a
l.) filed 22 July 1993, entitled "Absorbent Article having Panty Covering Componen.
US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 096,121 entitled "ts that Naturally Wrap the sides of Panties" (P & G Case 49).
61) and wine burgers, etc. (Weinberger, et a
l.) filed on 20th July 1994, "Absorbent with underwear covering element with area of stretchability (Absorbent
Articles Having Undergarment Covering Components w
ith Zones of Extensibility) "in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 277,733 (P & G Case 5354). And the description in the specifications of these US patent applications is
These US patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Turning now to FIG. 1, the second absorbent member 50 preferably has a length 60 and a width 61. Second absorbent member 50
Preferably has a length of about 20 to 40 cm, more preferably about
It is 25 to 35 cm long, and most preferably about 30 cm long. The second absorbent member 50 is preferably approximately 5 to 15 cm
Width, more preferably about 5 to 10 cm, and most preferably about 5 to 8 cm. The thickness of the second absorbent member 50 is generally somewhat less than its width, as shown in the cross-sections of FIGS. 2 and 3.

The individual components of the first absorbent member 30 and the second absorbent member 50 may comprise elements that are extendable (preferably extendable) particularly in the longitudinal direction when the mixed sanitary napkin is worn. I can. Preferably, the mixed sanitary napkin is capable of extending longitudinally between about 15% and about 40% of its unextended length. This ability to extend results in better fit, comfort and reduced soiling during use when the mixed sanitary napkin is attached to the wearer's underwear. A sanitary napkin having extendable elements is described in US patent application Ser. No. 07/9, filed July 23, 1992 in the name of Osborn, et al.
Both 15,133 and 07 / 915,284 (PCT Publication No. WO
93/01785 and WO 93/01786, both February 4, 1993
Issued on the day).

In one preferred embodiment, the first absorbent member 30 and the second absorbent member 50 share a common length 65. The common length means the length that the first absorbent member 30 and the second absorbent member 50 jointly have. However,
Make the second absorbent member somewhat longer than the first absorbent member,
It is entirely possible that the functionality is still efficient.

Preferably, the width of the second absorbent member 50 is the first absorbent member.
At least 1.5 times the width of 30. More preferably, the width of the second absorbent member 50 is at least twice the width of the first absorbent member 30. Most preferably, the width of the second absorbent member 50 is in the range of about 3 times to about 8 times the width of the first absorbent member 30.

To form the mixed sanitary napkin of the present invention, the first absorbent member 30 and the second absorbent member 50 are formed by an integrated means generally indicated by reference numeral 70 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Are combined. The detailed nature of the integrated means is such that the selected integrated means functions to connect the first absorbent member 30 and the second absorbent member 50 to the mixed sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention and is in use during operation. It is not important as long as it has sufficient strength so as not to cause the disconnection of the first absorbent member 30 and the second absorbent member 50. Integrated means such as adhesive attachment with the well known hot melt and pressure sensitive adhesives are quite satisfactory. Use welding, ultrasonic welding, dynamic mechanical bonding or any combination of the above means, provided the properties of the elements selected to make the components of the mixed sanitary napkin 20 are so permitted. It is possible to

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all such changes and modifications that come within the scope of this invention are described in the appended claims.

Front Page Continuation (72) Inventor Lampson, Patricia Lee, Ohio, USA 45205, Cincinnati, Academy Avenue 826 (56) References JP-A-5-115503 (JP, A) JP-A-59-120154 (JP) , A) Actual Kaihei 3-78527 (JP, U) Special Table 10-504486 (JP, A) US Patent 4433972 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61F 13/00-13/84

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A first absorbent member including an absorbent core, an outer cover, and a second absorbent member including a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent element attached to the backsheet. A second absorbent member is attached to the first absorbent member, the first absorbent member having a base having a width and a top having a width, the base being a second absorbent member. Juxtaposed with respect to each other, the top faces in the opposite direction at right angles to the foundation, the width of the foundation is larger than the width of the top, and the absorption core comprises multiple nuclear members, A mixed sanitary napkin, in which the encapsulation is surrounded by a retention layer, acquisition layer, or both retention and acquisition layers. 2. The mixed sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein the first absorbent member comprises an absorbent core having a generally triangular cross section. 3. The mixed sanitary napkin of claim 1, wherein the core member comprises foam. 4. The mixed sanitary napkin according to claim 1, wherein the core member has a substantially parallelepiped shape. 5. A mixed sanitary napkin according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the core member comprises an elongated absorbent pad having a generally circular cross section. 6. The mixed sanitary napkin according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first absorbent member comprises a retaining layer, an acquisition layer, or both a retaining layer and an acquisition layer. 7. The first absorbing member comprises an elastic member,
The mixed sanitary napkin according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic member comprises a foam. 8. The mixed sanitary napkin of claim 7, wherein the foam comprises polyurethane foam. 9. The mixed sanitary napkin according to claim 7, wherein the elastic member is surrounded by the retaining layer, the acquisition layer, or both the retaining layer and the acquisition layer.